Bitcoin News Today: Institutional Adoption Drives Bitcoin ETF to Unprecedented Growth Milestone

BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has surged into the top 20 U.S. exchange-traded funds by assets under management (AUM), reaching $90.7 billion as of October 2, 2025, according to Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas^[1]. This milestone positions IBIT as a leading vehicle for institutional Bitcoin exposure, surpassing traditional benchmarks like the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) and overtaking Coinbase's Deribit platform as the largest venue for Bitcoin options with $38 billion in open interest^[2]. The fund's rapid ascent reflects growing institutional adoption, with inflows accelerating amid Bitcoin's price recovery to $120,000.

IBIT has drawn $62 billion in net inflows since its January 2024 launch, with recent data showing $405.5 million in inflows on October 2 alone-the largest single-day intake since mid-August^[3]. These inflows have driven Bitcoin spot purchases, adding 3,859 BTC to its holdings, bringing its total holdings to 777,000 BTC^[4]. The fund's share price hit an all-time high of $68.77 on October 2, reflecting a 11% weekly gain^[5]. Analysts attribute this momentum to macroeconomic tailwinds, including expectations of a potential 25 basis-point Federal Reserve rate cut in October, which could further stimulate liquidity in risk assets like Bitcoin^[6].

The ETF's growth outpaces traditional asset classes. For context, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD), the benchmark gold ETF, took over five years to reach $50 billion in assets after its 2004 launch. IBIT achieved $90.7 billion in less than two years^[7]. This rapid scaling is supported by regulatory developments, such as the SEC's approval of in-kind creations, which reduce transaction costs and enhance liquidity. Additionally, IBIT's options market now rivals Deribit's, offering institutional investors hedging tools previously unavailable for Bitcoin^[8].

Bitcoin's price trajectory has reinforced the ETF's appeal. Historical data from Ecoinometrics suggests that Q4 is typically a strong period for Bitcoin during bull markets. If inflows accelerate as they did in Q4 2024-when Bitcoin climbed from $60,000 to over $100,000-prices could surpass $135,000 by November 2025^[9]. Institutional investors are increasingly viewing Bitcoin as a diversification tool, given its low correlation with equities and its role as a hedge against inflation and fiat devaluation^[10].

Looking ahead, IBIT's path to $100 billion appears within reach. Balchunas estimates it is $50 billion away from top-10 ETF status, achievable by December 2026 if current inflow trends persist^[11]. Competitors like Fidelity's FBTC and Bitwise's BITB have also seen strong inflows, but BlackRock's distribution network and regulatory alignment give it a structural advantage. As Bitcoin ETFs collectively amass over $150 billion in AUM, the sector is reshaping institutional portfolio construction, with IBIT leading the charge^[12].